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PESHAWAR, May 12: Living up to its reputation, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is again heading for a coalition government, triggering a race among parties to out-manoeuvre each other and gather partners.

As predicted, the results have been fractious though interesting, giving the major contenders a chance to have a shot at forming the provincial government.

But of all the parties, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf with a tally of 35 seats is in a stronger position to form the government.
Independents, after the JUI-F and the PML-N, have emerged as the fourth largest group in the assembly and hold the key to the citadel in Peshawar.

From the look of it, if the PTI does make an effort to form the next government, it could look up to the independents and the seven Jamaat-i-Islami members. And the effort has begun in right earnest.

PTI’s secretary general and newly-elected MPA Pervez Khattak has moved into top gear for the job. An old campaigner, who under Aftab Sherpao’s tutelage had learned the skill of cobbling up alliances and out-manoeuvring rivals, he could become PTI’s first choice to head the coalition.

“There is no one else,” he said of himself as the party’s likely choice for the chief minister. “We are comfortably placed,” he told Dawn in the wee hours on Sunday morning, hours after the PTI had emerged as the largest party in the province. “The independents would come to us,” the PTI leader from Nowshera said.

And if need be, Khattak could also turn to his once-upon-a-time PPP leader, Aftab Sherpao, whose party has improved on its past performance and managed seven seats in the provincial assembly.

Another likely partner for the PTI could be the Awami Jamhuri Ittehad Pakistan -- a wealthy cigarette-manufacturing Swabi-based, family-owned party that has secured three seats.

Knowing Imran Khan’s tirade against the JUI-F, PML-N, ANP and PPP, the PTI is unlikely to turn to any of them for help.

Indeed, the numbers game is so tricky and so open to manipulation that a conglomeration of three or more parties could cause an upset and throw a spanner in the works of other contenders.

And who else can spoil the broth for the PTI but the wily Maulana from Dera Ismail Khan? The JUI-F leader, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, has already taken the initiative and spoken to PML-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif on the possibility of forming the government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The JUI-F has secured 13 seats and is leading in another two whose results are awaited, which may raise its strength to 15. The PML-N has 12 seats. Fazlur Rehman can speak to Sherpao, with whom he had seat adjustment in Charasadda.

Maulana Fazl told reporters in Dera Ismail Khan that he had spoken to the PML-N chief and the two parties agreed to explore the possibility. “We can speak to Sherpao too.”

The PTI and the JUI-F have begun efforts to woo Mr Sherpao and it is learnt that JUI’s nominee for chief minister, former CM Akram Khan Durrani, was on his way to meet the former interior minister to mull over the issue.

And when it comes to realpolitik, Fazlur Rehman will have no qualms in aligning with either his former partner Jamaat-i-Islami, the ANP, PPP or retired Gen Pervez Musharraf’s lone MPA from Chitral.

So far, the PML-N leadership has not come up with any formal announcement in this regard. Its senior leader and former chief minister Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan said if he was asked for his opinion he would like to let the PTI form the provincial government.

“My personal opinion is: let the PTI form the government, implement its programme and show if it can serve as a role model for the rest of Pakistan,” the Sardar from Bakote said.

But in the final analysis, what may become the sole influencing and motivating factor for the political parties – except the PTI -- to support the JUI-F move would be the PML-N government in Islamabad and its equation and relationship with any government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Comments (60) Closed

Maulana Saheb is the champion of politics which can bring lot of ripe fruits for him.

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saad

May 14, 2013 01:36pm

Nawaz sharif will make a big mistake if he join JUI

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SHABIH

May 14, 2013 01:21pm

The maulana has served his own interests better than all politicans and military rulers put together!He is a worldly wise extraordinary man.

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NASAH (USA)

May 15, 2013 01:46am

PTI with 35 seats has earned its right to lead KP provincial government. The world would like to how Imran Khan handles the Talibans. KP Talibans ruined the career of ANP lets us see if they do the same to Imran Khan.

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Khota

May 13, 2013 12:50pm

Maulana is a trap.

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Mike Khan

May 13, 2013 11:52am

It is in the benefit of all parties including people of Pakistan to let PTI form the government of KPI. For PML-N, PTI's inexperience in politics should be an opportunity to destroy PTI's future chances of forming the central government. Once they fail to deliver at provincial level, people of Pakistan will not give them the chance to rule the country atleast in the next election. For the supporters of PTI and PTI themselves its their chance to show what they can deliver.
This is PML-N's best chance to counter PTI's threat for atleast another election.

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PML(n) Supporter

May 13, 2013 11:54am

Nawaz Sharif has just mentioned that his party will respect the Imran Khan's mandate and PTI should form the governement in KPK.

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faatehalam

May 13, 2013 12:04pm

Lets give a chance to PTI,this would act as a Political nursery for PTI future elections.
PMLn should not take hasty deciosion and play into the hands of an infamous Maulana,dont be afraid of Imrans role model commitment,its good for peopleand people would reject PML N decision for this unkind act(A serious reminder)

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Aizaz Moin

May 13, 2013 12:17pm

What is his party's mandate and what is he capable of delivering to the Pakistani electorate (other than jung)?

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Nazir

May 13, 2013 12:17pm

Very good of NS and that's how we will grow democracy in this country. That's what public will appreciate and that what democracy is about. Appalling as much Maulana's undemocratic efforts are for whom democracy means perks and privileges with all democratic norms down the drain.Positive forces should not allow this kind of behaviour any more.

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Saeed

May 13, 2013 12:24pm

I wish and hope that sense prevail in PML-N and they allow PTI to form government and don't fall in Maulana's trap.

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kalyar

May 13, 2013 12:35pm

Majority party should be the first Choice

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Farrukh

May 13, 2013 12:40pm

The lust of power will never end for Fazal ur Rehman................

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Asim

May 13, 2013 12:50pm

Thats a good start

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Zmarak Akbar

May 13, 2013 12:57pm

PTI Should be given a chance to form a government and prove it's self... Thath's the reason 35% of the population in KPK have given them their trust... It seems as if the "The Mulana" wnats to outshine "Machiavelli"...
I hope they do not resort to the sleazy politics of the 90's...... I think we have evolved since then....

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Shaukat

May 13, 2013 12:59pm

Allowing majority to form a government would be true spirit of democracy

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Arif

May 13, 2013 01:13pm

It would be really deplorable if PTI goes into an alliance with JI...!!!!

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Abdul Majeeed

May 13, 2013 01:32pm

Fazlurehman needs to respect his mouth spoken democracy and allow the majority Party to form the Government otherwise it is better for him to remove the pious Islamic cover of himself and of his party.

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Imran

May 13, 2013 01:33pm

Believe it or not..this time it will be really true democracy in pakistan- Sindh goes to PPP, Punjab to PMNL, Pakhtunkhwa to PTI, Balochistan to - BNP. WOW
Long live democracy in pakistan

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Quigon Jin

May 13, 2013 02:09pm

For those of you supporting PTI. Please I beg of you campaign for Imran Khan to become CM. The people of KPK need a leader and severely need a morale booster. His vision needs a canvas! He might not even get Opposition Leader because of the PPP and he can easily bring members to his party to form the next government in KPK. It could show his skills as an administrator for all of Pakistan to see. He could help expand his base and finally abolish the religious parties hold, who did more damage than the ANP or PPP ever could. What is happening in KPK and FATA is result of their rule. Please join

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Qamar

May 13, 2013 02:14pm

Fazal ur Rehman is back to his old tricks to grab power. he is a bad influence in Pakistani politics.

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zaman

May 13, 2013 02:18pm

lets be fair & allow the majority party to form govt in KPK. lets give respect the wish/will of the people for change.

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zaman

May 13, 2013 02:20pm

lets be fair & allow the majority party to form govt in KPK. lets respect the desire of the people of kpk for change.

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pathanoo

May 13, 2013 02:24pm

Here is when Imran Khan may be exposed. Is he a man of principals and convictions or just another power hungry politician who would get in league with any one to gain power?
Will he give up the power in KP if he has to sacrifice his principals or will he take on the politicians he has so strongly criticized during his campaign?

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Omer

May 13, 2013 02:39pm

The lust of power AND diesel ....

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Gul Khan

May 13, 2013 02:46pm

Thats brilliant!!
Mr PM do something special for this beloved nation of ours so People remember you as we remember Qaid Azam (ra) and Dr Qadeer Sahab. Longlive PAKISTAN

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Pro Truth

May 13, 2013 02:56pm

Script of change says PTI will be only given KP to be groomed! Diesel can always ask PMLn and try spoiling the plan of masters.

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abdulhameed

May 13, 2013 02:56pm

PTI should be given chance to form govt

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Jalaluddin S. Hussain

May 15, 2013 12:21am

Let PTI implement its election promises here. in KP. I think Nawaz Sharif at the Centre will cooperate with him. Mind you Sharif has already visited the "bedridden" Imran and is ready to play cricket with him!

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Syed

May 13, 2013 03:24pm

InshaAllah this time Fazl would not be able to do anything.

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Atif

May 13, 2013 03:29pm

I don't necessarily agree. It will be about administering the government rather than forming any ideological alliance. JI like PTI also holds intra-party polls and given that PTI's main slogan is to rid the country of corruption, I think it can be a reasonable alliance. Without that, the province will be down to JUI-F and everyone knows what a devil that is.

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shahid

May 13, 2013 03:35pm

It will be biggest mistake for PMLN if they alliance with Fazal ur Rehman. PTI must form government in KPK.

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Dr. Khan

May 13, 2013 03:35pm

In true democracy the front runner in election is asked to form the government. PTI has the most seats in KP and therefore should be asked to make the government in KP. If they can not get 51 MPAs on their side then the rest should get the chance. The people of KP province are brave, edicated, and know the value of their vote. Any party that does not perfom satisfactorily, they kick them out from their office. They taught good lesson to ANP and People party. In democracy, peoples votes are very powerful.

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Alam Zeb Khan

May 13, 2013 04:48pm

Mullana M.
Mullana's conduct is deplorable

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Alam Zeb Khan

May 13, 2013 04:50pm

Sharif brothers will never let Imran to form government
.
Imran will prove to the world that he can set a standards if allowed to form government in KPK

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Khalid

May 13, 2013 05:03pm

Imran Khan Sahib should become flexible here and try to join hands with the little like minded parties even and form a Government in KPK and show his real ability to run the province successfully first. After gaining five years experience he can simply push Sharifs out power in the next General election and become a Jinnah like hero for the land of pure.

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raheel

May 13, 2013 05:14pm

FAZAL-UR-REHMAN.......The worst politition ever

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Zafar

May 13, 2013 05:35pm

When it comes to forging alliances, no one can beat two of our leaders: Our president and the maulana...
Our maulana wins 3 NA seats, manages to make 2 of them ministers and the third, Chairman of Kashmir committee (with the rank of a federal minister)....

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furqan

May 13, 2013 05:38pm

I think any one who has majority, let he be given the responsibility to perform. PTI in KPK is well placed to lead. Hence, PML(N) must show political acumen and should not try to make smart hidden moves to bring JUI(F) to bring forward.

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raheel

May 13, 2013 05:44pm

absolutely right

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imran

May 13, 2013 05:47pm

when will the people shun him?

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Sahil Khan

May 13, 2013 06:35pm

For God's sake Mulana! Let the people of pakistan take a breath and let go of your hunger to be a part of each and every government. You have been doing this diesel politics since 1990..

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malole

May 13, 2013 07:14pm

This is one of the drawbacks of british parliamentery system where you have to make coalitions and 'jore tore'. Party with simple majority should be able to form the govt and no one should take away their mandate.

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Qamar

May 13, 2013 07:32pm

PTI and JI alliance is OK. They both want to establish a clean & corruption-free government. There are differences between PTI and JI ideologies, but I think they both can work around it. Let us support the establishment of a good, clean government in at least one province.

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Qamar

May 13, 2013 08:39pm

Please delete the word 'Maulana' from his name. he is just a politician, not a respectable religious scholar.

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Qamar

May 13, 2013 08:50pm

I have a suggestion for Fazl ur Rahman. Please take a break from politics until next elections and cultivate on hundreds of kanals of land that Musharraf gave you for supporting the 17th amendment. For a change be a productive member of the society instead of being a parasite on tax payers.

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noman1234

May 13, 2013 08:55pm

The reason he said that is because he wants them to ignore all the rigging that happened in Punjab, specially in Lahore. Nawaz Sharif and Diesel are 2 sides of same coin they will do anything to get into power even invite other countries PM during Oath taking ceremony. Disgusting!

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Khan

May 13, 2013 10:27pm

With people like Fazlu there cannot be any democracy in any country. No more votes in the name of religion and especially for maulvi like him....

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paki

May 14, 2013 12:46am

fazal, just remember one day you'll be standing in court of Allah. then no one can make any deal with you! you call yourself maulana but what have you contributed to the deen of Islam and pakistan at all??? name me one thing ..just one..!!

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HNY2013

May 14, 2013 01:45am

A split vote is not a mandate.

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Joker

May 14, 2013 03:22am

The PTI need to lead in KPK. Maulana should back off and stop interfering with his dirty political tricks... who voted his party in anyway.

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farid

May 14, 2013 03:45am

Don't worry people. Maulana Diesal can do nothing.

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Arif

May 14, 2013 04:17am

Over 100% turnout in 14 polling stations within KPK province, between 100-320% turnout in 94 polling stations in the punjab, obviously this election is a farse.

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Ghalib Khan

May 14, 2013 04:28am

Things like these make two party system look good

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minu

May 14, 2013 05:10am

i hope sharif brothers think for the betterment of the country instead of uniting with the culprits of da past.

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Nadeem

May 14, 2013 06:42am

Though its a split mandate in KP but I don't think pmln will be interested in forming government there. However, the maulana will remain a serious threat to pti government in KP.

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pashtun

May 14, 2013 09:57am

how and when will we get rid of this so called Maulana ? we want Imran Khan !

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MOHAMMAD

May 14, 2013 11:57am

yes two party system should be there

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Shanzay

May 14, 2013 12:29pm

Do you think he cares about that!!! I seriously doubt it

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Shahpur

May 14, 2013 03:39pm

Maulana is an old player. Good for Imran to learn from Maulana, how things work.